Furniture hostage situations & pricing extortion expose the dark side of the relocation industry. From mid-move price hikes to exorbitant demands for tips before unloading, Florida is cracking down on the moving industry.
Fort Lauderdale, FL – Moving can be a stressful experience, and unfortunately, some moving companies in Florida and the rest of the country have taken advantage of this by engaging in deceptive practices. These scams often involve changing prices mid-move, holding furniture hostage until higher fees are paid, and demanding large tips before unloading. In response, Florida has implemented new laws and regulations to protect consumers and crack down on fraudulent movers.
Moving companies typically target unsuspecting consumers by offering low-ball estimates, only to inflate the price mid-move. Once they have possession of the customer’s belongings, they may demand higher fees, claiming additional services or weight-related charges. In extreme cases, movers have been known to “kidnap” furniture, refusing to unload it until the customer agrees to pay the increased amount. To further exploit customers, some movers request large tips, often 10% to 20% of the total moving cost, before unloading the furniture. This practice is not only unethical but also illegal in Florida.